Awareness of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension among Secondary School Adolescents in Morogoro Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Several studies have consistently shown that adolescents' awareness of diabetes mellitus and hypertension is inadequate. The main objective was to assess adolescents' awareness of type 2 diabetes and hypertension and identify areas for improvement.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 384 secondary school students from public and private day schools in Kilosa and Morogoro urban. Face-to-face interviews were undertaken to collect data on awareness of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21), and total awareness scores for various sections were calculated by adding the results from all 34 questions and assigning a score of 1 for a yes response and a score of 0 for a no response or a don't know response.

Results: The main awareness scores for hypertension and diabetes mellitus were 51.4% and 50.2%, respectively, of the possible total score. The scores for general diabetes awareness and hypertension were 53.5% and 42.6%, respectively. Other scores for type 2 diabetes and hypertension were 32.1% vs 42.6% on the "Awareness of Risk Factors" section, 49.5% vs 46% on the "Awareness of Symptoms and Complications" section, 54.1% vs 52.9% on the "Awareness of Treatment and Available Medication Section" section; and 67.6% vs 66.9% on the "Awareness of Lifestyle Changes and Management Section".

Conclusion: Except for a few areas, such as risk factors, symptoms, and complications that necessitate intervention, adolescents exhibited an average level of information regarding Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension. Non-communicable disease risk factors, symptoms, and complications should be taught in schools at a young age to improve primary prevention.